October 2002

Christ:
The Landscape of Life

Part Thirty-four

“LO and BEHOLD”

            America breathed easier with the arrest of the “sniper” recently terrorizing its citizenry; but let us remember it was God’s Mercy that terminated this tragedy! He did use the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, alert citizens, and even tips from the terrorist; but GOD, ALONE, brought this reign of terror to an end! Likewise, the same God allowed another shooting rampage to take place in Oklahoma only a few days later. Hearing of such fearful events, it is hard to believe there could be any Godly purpose in them, but what does the Word of the Lord say on the matter?!

“The wrath of man shall praise (God),
and the remainder He will restrain!” (Ps 76:10)

“The Lord has made all things for Himself,
yes, even the wicked for the day of evil!” (Pr 16:4)

When Job’s wealth, servants and children were wiped out in one day,
his understandably distraught wife railed at him, “Do you still retain
your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he answered her, “You talk
like one of the foolish women! What? SHALL WE RECEIVE GOOD
FROM THE HAND OF GOD, AND NOT ALSO RECEIVE EVIL?
In all this, Job did not sin with his lips!” (Jb 2:9-10)

“To those who love God (in the anointed appraisal of those
who know and love God), who are called to His Purpose,
ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD!!” (Ro 8:28)

            It has been well said, “These are the times that try men’s souls!” Today on every front are acts of unprecedented violence- random and premeditated! No one knows where it may strike next. Such events set the stage for a “knight on a white horse” to appear on the scene to“save the day”! That “super-hero” shall be a many-membered body of God’s sons clad in full Armor of Christ! But other candidates are also presently suiting up for “world dictator” in full “antichrist armor”! Note we said “candidates”- plural! This is contrary to erroneous theology that say the Antichrist is ONE MAN who will deceive the whole world; and persecute the church if they refuse to receive his “mark of the beast” on their hand or forehead. But these devilish doctrines provide an “escape” for the saints, saying God will “rapture” them off this planet- while suffering the rest of the world to endure seven horrendous years of tribulation! These ludicrous ideas may make terrific grist for the Hollywood mill, but such exploitive fiction has no place in God’s Church! These are products of dark understanding and fearful hearts that are in desperate need of the Holy Spirit’s enlightening and the Father’s Perfect Love that casts out all fear; and the Blood of the Lamb to cleanse the spots and stains from their garments of righteousness!
            Let us flee from any “gospel” that allures the lust of the eyes; arouses the lust of the flesh; and appeals to the pride of life! Doctrines that entice believers to seek prosperity in this world are bogus! God offers us: “Exceeding Riches of Grace”; “Riches of the Glory of His Inheritance”; and the “Unsearchable Riches of Christ” (Eph 1:18; 2:7; 3:8) Furthermore Jesus Christ tells us to “Seek first the Kingdom and Righteousness of God; and all these things will be added to you!!” (Mt 5:13) Hear David’s impassioned confession to His heavenly Father, in Ps 84:11,

“One day in Your Courts is better than a thousand outside; I would rather
stand on the threshold of the House of my God than to live in the tents of
wickedness! The Lord is a sun and a shield He gives Grace and Glory!
HE WITHHOLDS NO GOOD THING FROM THE RIGHTEOUS!”

            Only the carnal mind diminishes God in our sight; whereas the spiritual mind increases and exalts the Creator of all in our understanding! If our vision of God is clouded with doubt, suspicion, fear, resentment, rage and worldly covetousness, it is surely not the work of the Holy Spirit! Must our planet be reduced to cinders and ashes for God to redeem it for His Kingdom? How foolish! The Fiery Presence of the Lord is not wrath- as the carnal mind perceives it- but is HOLY LOVE!!
             He created all things in Perfect Love; and that same Perfect Love shall reclaim and inhabit all things for all eternity! Fear of man is a debilitator of faith; but Fear of the Lord is a facilitator of faith! Still in the final analysis, “Perfect Love casts out ALL FEAR!” (1 Jn 4:18) Examine your fear, beloved, to see if it is a hindrance or a help to your faith! Then bring that fearful heart to the Father’s Love to be transformed into invincible faith! Remember, “Whatsoever is not of Faith is SIN!” (Ro 14:23)
             Furthermore, Heb 11:6 says, “Without Faith, it is impossible to please God!” But Rev 4:11 says,
             “God has created ALL THINGS for His Pleasure!” And He shall not be denied!

[TO BE CONTINUED]